Friday, February 02, 2007

Official Updates On That Thing That Isn't Happening!

Washington — The United States and Mexico share an important commercial relationship, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez will explore ways to further enhance this relationship during a three-day trip to Mexico.

The discussions are also part of an effort to advance the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) launched by the leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico in March 2005 with the goal of enhancing security, economic growth, competitiveness and the quality of life of the citizens of the region. (See related article.)

Gutierrez said the genesis of the SPP was to build on the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“The whole idea is to take progress during NAFTA and see what opportunities exist to make even more progress,” he said. “We are looking for ways to take the next step and make the relationship more efficient, more effective, within the context of NAFTA.”

Apart from advancing the SPP, Gutierrez said that his meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the Western Hemisphere Competitiveness Forum, which will be held this June in Atlanta. The forum will bring together public and private sector leaders from across the Americas to discuss how the region can compete more effectively in the global economy. Gutierrez said it was important for forum participants to share lessons and experience, and he indicated he anticipates “Mexico will have a lot to share at the competitiveness meeting.”